Think Like A Leader

Don Laffoon, head of the Electrical Corporation of America based in Missouri, shares his views on the EC industry and running a large company. His perspective on leadership is built upon his 42 years with the firm, starting first as an apprentice. His guiding philosophy is direct: “Get buy-in from your employees for everything you want to accomplish.”

Mike Meyer from Continental Electric describes how the past 10 years have been transformational for his business and our personal lives. His work as Project Manager, Mission Critical Division, opens up a whole new world in thinking about projects and opportunities in electrical construction. His guiding principle is simple: “get involved."

Engaging with employees, listening to their ideas and concerns, and mentoring their professional growth are key ingredients Vince Real finds most valuable in leading Big State Electric, headquartered in San Antonio. Vince shares the steps he takes every day to ensure the company is meeting customers’ needs safely and efficiently. What does he value the most from his involvement with ELECTRI International? He notes the ability to work with peers and help lift the industry as a whole for the benefit of contractors of every size and specialty.

Adam Rude leads his team every day following one simple idea: “None of us is as strong as all of us.” Listen as Adam, who has just been promoted to Vice President of Construction Support Operations at Indianapolis-based ERMCO Inc., explains how he builds upon his experience to make his team and the entire employee-owned company stronger with each new challenge.

“Transforming the electrical experience” guides Greg Long every day as he runs his successful Northern California firm, Long Electric. Greg knows firsthand the importance of having the right people in his company and giving them as many opportunities as possible to succeed and advance. On top of that, he knows well enough never to say "can’t." Learn how his approach to leadership has guided his firm's success.

In this episode, Don Campbell takes us through his successful manufacturing and contracting career, all the way up to his role today as Executive Director of NECA’s Southern Nevada Chapter. Listen to his fascinating narrative of how being a leader in the corporate world ties to leading a group of successful contractors. Most of all, Don explains his belief in the value of showing up.

In this episode, Mike Abbott, President of Abbott Electric, offers his insight into the ways he works to position the company in the marketplace. He takes us from the 30,000 ft. view down to the details of working with each team player. His best advice: “Never stop learning.”

In this episode we speak with Rob Smith the president of Sargent Electric. Rob shares his thoughts on the rapid rate of change in the electrical contracting profession and impact of COVID-19 on his ability to lead their company. Rob then goes on to discuss the importance of planning and how a lack of focus on this phase of the project can lead to a shifting of risk on specialty contractors.

The interruptions in the global supply chain and shortages in construction materials are causing delays and driving prices to all-time highs. In this episode, we are joined by Dave Moeller, director of customer markets for Graybar, to look at what is happening across our industry and learn how other electrical contractors are working to get ahead of this fast-moving challenge.

In this episode we speak with Rosana Privitera Biondo the president and CEO of Mark One Electric Co. Rosie shares her experience on how her leadership style has evolved to help motivate her teams to embrace change, which has led to a tremendous amount of growth for their company.